When a car leaks oil, repairing the oil leak should be a top priority. Allowing oil to leak for an extended period might cause complications. It’s possible that the leak could worsen, and you’ll run out of oil before you realize it. It can enter into your ignition system and spark plugs.
However, there is a distinction between an engine that uses oil and one that leaks oil. Your motor is “using” oil if there is no visible oil spilling from your Wrangler’s engine but the oil level is lowering. Actually, it’s making its way into the combustion chamber, so that’s good.
Read the full article to learn about the symptoms and how to fix Jeep Wrangler oil leak problem.
Jeep Wrangler Oil Leak Symptoms
Here are the most common symptoms of an oil leak on your Jeep Wrangler:
Oil under the car:
The pool of oil or spots you’ll see under your Wrangler is the most evident indicator of an oil leak. It’s also possible that transmission and power steering fluids have spilled.
Examine each of their levels. If the power steering fluid seems low or frothy, you may be dealing with a power steering leak.
If the fluid on the garage floor is red, you may be dealing with a transmission fluid leak.
Oil spread all over the engine:
There needs to be a way for the oil to escape. Your Wrangler’s engine will leak someplace before it lands on the driveway.
The question is where it comes from. I’ll go over that in more detail in the following part.
Smoke from the engine:
If oil leaks at the correct place, it can seep onto the exhaust manifold(s) and cause a smoky situation. Transmission fluid is flammable, although this isn’t the case. It typically just smokes and stinks.
The dashboard oil light:
The oil light on your dashboard is a caution that you should not disregard. If the oil level or pressure is lower than usual, it will notify you.
While this does not always mean there is a leak, it does necessitate additional investigation.
Engine Overheating:
Engine oil is critical for maintaining the engine’s temperature. It keeps the pistons lubricated and ensures that they slide smoothly within their housing.
The pistons will grind against other elements of the engine without sufficient lubrication, producing a lot of heat and perhaps causing your engine to lock up and stall. The engine may overheat if there is an oil leak and the oil level falls too low.
The smell of burning oil:
If oil is leaking onto the hot metal parts of your engine, you’ll likely smell burning oil and hear a sizzling, sizzle when it comes into touch with the hot engine.
You may have an oil leak if you detect a foul odor that is thick and bitter, as well as the sound of bacon cooking beneath the hood.
Why Does Your Jeep Wrangler Oil Leak?
Broken engine seals, oil leaks, oil seals, and improper connections account for the great majority of leaks. Examine the oil pan seals from beneath the automobile.
Also, make sure the oil plate drain plug is in place. After that, inspect the seal cover and valve cover gaskets.
These are some causes why is your Jeep Wrangler leaking oil:
1. Oil Filter
It’s possible that the oil filter has been broken or was not correctly sealed at the last oil change, and its leaking oil.
2. Oil Drain Plug
Oil might be leaking through the oil plug and onto the driveway if it has been stripped off or left loose.
3. Valve Cover Gasket
The valve cover gasket is a typical source of oil leakage.
Depending on where the oil is leaking from on the valve cover, it will affect different sections of the car. If oil is seeping from the valve covers above the exhaust, for example, it will burn and smell as you drive.
If oil seeps from the valve covers and gets on the spark plugs, it might create ignition issues.
4. Oil Pan
It’s fairly usual for oil to seep from the oil pan. The gasket between the oil pan and the engine block will most likely fail.
However, it is not uncommon for an oil pan to fracture or develop a hole. It will take a lot of time, expertise, and patience to correct an oil leak originating from the pan region.
5. Rear main seal defects
This is a fairly common oil leak in jeeps that causes problems. To an expert technician, this is also a rather simple repair.
However, this should be done with caution. To get to the rear main seal, you’ll need to remove the oil pan.
How To Fix Oil Leak on A Jeep Wrangler?
If the oil leak is coming from your Jeep Wrangler’s oil filter or plug, it’s obvious that you’ll need to replace these.
If you do end up changing the plug or oil filter, make sure you obtain new oil when you go to the parts store, because you’ll lose engine oil doing so.
You have the following choices for repairing an oil leak in a jeep. Options that work for you will vary depending on your scenario.
- Check for any loose bolts and tighten them appropriately using a torque wrench. Make sure the bolts aren’t over-tightened.
Tightening torques and patterns are prescribed by the manufacturer. When doing them, stick to the rules.
- Fix the leak using an oil stop leak additive. You can buy a good one online or from a local store. After thoroughly cleaning the area, apply the additive and see whether you can stop the oil leak.
If the damage isn’t severe, this easy patch will stop the leak without requiring a major repair.
- If oil is leaking from the valve cover region, obtain the torque specifications and see if tightening them would resolve the issue. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to replace the gasket right away.
- For the oil pan gasket, the same strategy will work. However, getting down there and tightening these nuts is considerably more challenging.
That’s why use ramps or jack stands if you need to get under your wrangler. Only use a floor jack to get under.
- If none of these work for your case, you will have to replace the damaged gasket, oil seal, or part.
Check out this video if you need a hand on fixing the oil leak.
Remember this; it’s best to meet with a mechanic to get this repair done if you don’t have the necessary tools or technical expertise.
Is It Common For Jeep Wranglers To Leak Oil?
Jeep Wranglers are known for their off-road capabilities and rugged construction. However, some of their models (2012-2017) are also notorious for leaking oil.
Therefore, it is not uncommon for Jeep Wranglers to leak oil from the engine, transmission, and differentials. While some leaks are minor and do not cause any damage, others can be major and lead to serious engine or transmission problems.
How Much Does It Cost To Fix Jeep Wrangler Oil Leak Issues?
Jeep Wrangler owners are all too familiar with oil leaks. These common issues can be caused by several factors, ranging from simple wear and tear to more serious engine problems.
While most leaks can be easily fixed with a little knowledge and the right tools, some may require the help of a professional mechanic. So, What are the costs associated with repairing Jeep Wrangler oil leak issues?
The cost of repairing an oil leak will depend on the severity of the leak and the cause. For example, a small leak from a gasket or seal can usually be fixed without any hassle, and the cost is around $450 where parts ($138-$151) and labor ($225-$283) expenses are included.
On the other hand, a more serious leak that requires replacing an engine part may cost around $1200 to fix.
Always remember, it’s important to have your Jeep Wrangler checked by a qualified mechanic to ensure that the problem is properly diagnosed and repaired.
Final Words
It can be difficult to locate an oil leak, especially given how small and compact today’s engine compartments are.
Good luck figuring out where the leak is coming from in your Jeep Wrangler. If you have anything to contribute, please feel free to do so in the comments section below.
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